Visitors to the beaches of Brevard and Volusia County have been forced to share the beach with some unwelcome visitors—mauve stinger jellyfish. Orlando’s Channel 13 is reporting that more than 1800 people were stung during the span of one week in Cocoa Beach in Brevard County. To the north of Brevard County in Volusia County—home of New Smyrna Beach–there have also been jellyfish sightings (and stingings) in this popular beach area.
Jellyfish follow the ocean currents and are particularly attracted to warm waters, so this pattern might continue through the summer months. Shallow waters, even ankle deep, can also be a haven for jellyfish swarms. And while mauve stinger jellyfish stings are not fatal—and are about as painful as a bee sting—you can steer clear of the jellies by heeding the purple warning flags on the Space Coast beaches. And if you do get stung by a jellyfish , use vinegar on the affected area to alleviate the pain. Better yet, bring along some vinegar with your sunscreen if you plan on visiting one of the Space Coast beaches anytime soon.
MX282GHJZ3RJ
